Chapter 86
Chapter 86
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 86
Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village
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Western Capital.
This city had once been renamed Pyongyang Prefecture during King Gongmin's reign. When it was seized by the Yuan Dynasty, it was called Dongnyeong Prefecture, but it was reclaimed. After that, during the transition from Yuan to Ming, Goryeo successfully defended the city and enacted reforms. Then, with Kings U and Chang taking the throne, the nation's fortunes revived, and the city reclaimed its name as Western Capital.
Originally, King U had no interest in politics, but he suddenly displayed great ability and became a resolute king who purged the rebels. Rumors said the Twelve Rites played a major role in this change, but it wasn't certain. In any case, as Goryeo restored its national fortunes and became a strong nation again, the once-decayed old city flourished alongside it.
Monk Jiwol stared intently at the ruins of the old Dongnyeong Prefecture building.
"The aura of the onmyoji is coming from right there."
That place had not been rebuilt or even cleared of debris for over a hundred years. Feng shui masters called it a perilous land where the resentment of those who died during the Yuan rule was so strong that yin energy dominated, making it too dangerous for humans to enter.
The gathered Goryeo spellcasters and taoists nodded.
"A powerful spell is emanating from it."
"Let's dismantle the barrier."
Wooong.
Those versed in spells stepped forward and began dismantling the barrier surrounding the ruins. It had no physical interference, but anyone who entered would fall into illusions and be ensnared, with powerful curses laid upon it as well. Entering such a barrier unarmed would be utter recklessness, so it had to be dismantled first.
Pang!
Suddenly, light flashed in the air, and a transparent membrane peeled away. That was the signal that the barrier had been broken. The onmyoji subjugation squad advanced inside. As everyone entered through the grand gate of the ruined building, something crashed down behind them with a bang.
Kwarung!
Monk Jiwol frowned amid the cloud of dust.
"Naesangmun!"
What blocked our retreat was a massive door four jang tall and wide. A demon's image was carved at its entrance, exuding an ominous aura. I asked Monk Jiwol,
"What is that?"
"It's an onmyodo barrier spell. It seems the onmyoji wants to turn us into rats in a trap."
"Can't we just ignore it and climb over another wall to get out?"
"The Naesangmun itself holds the power of the barrier. To destroy it, we must kill the caster or perform a dispelling ritual."
"I see."
I nodded.
"The enemy has come to greet us."
Swish swish swish.
Swish.
In the wide courtyard of the old Dongnyeong Prefecture ruins, eerie figures slowly appeared. They were too artificial to be monsters—puppet-like dolls made of paper, hopping along unsteadily. Seeing them stagger forward, Monk Jiwol gripped his Zen staff.
"Everyone, be careful! Those are shikigami from onmyodo spells! Don't let them fool you—they're strong, fast, and hard to kill. Protect yourselves!"
Shikigami?
My eyes widened at the sight I'd never seen before. Spells could create fighting dolls from paper? There were about fifty of them, clearly outnumbering the subjugation squad's warriors present.
Clang.
"Twelve Rites Patriotic Alliance's Jaryun, charging!!"
Jaryun, the later-generation talent from the Patriotic Alliance I'd sparred with, roared fiercely as he drew his sword and charged. His blade carried powerful sword techniques, brimming with might. The moment he closed in, he sliced two shikigami into ten pieces.
Thud.
Though made of paper, the shikigami hit the ground with a heavy thud as if possessing real weight. Their attacks must carry strong physical force.
"Uoooo!!"
"Drive out the Japanese scum!!"
Clang clang.
Kaaang.
At that signal, the Twelve Rites subjugation squad rushed forward in unison, weapons drawn. They were all experts of note from their respective sects—no one below first-class. Instantly, sword qi, spear arts, arrows, and spells filled the air as fierce combat erupted with the shikigami.
Roooar!!
A Twelve Rites scholar using fire spells to burn shikigami frowned.
"They're being resummoned. Impressive spell power."
Ziiing.
They'd felled half the shikigami in mere minutes, but from behind the building, more emerged with eerie sounds. It seemed the plan was to summon hordes of lesser shikigami to drain our stamina and morale.
Then, a taoist beside Monk Jiwol leaped forward dramatically and shouted.
"We can't waste time here! Leave this to me, the spell master of Haedong Milcheon!!"
With a whoosh, his form moved at incredible speed—beyond normal lightness skills, likely another spell. Suddenly, his shadow multiplied like an illusion, and in an instant, seventy-two footwork patterns glowed on the ground. Forming hand seals in the center of the courtyard, the taoist cried out.
"Haste haste, as per the decree! Right Step, Great Severance!"
Crack.
It was astonishing. The moment the taoist completed his final step, the horde of approaching shikigami froze simultaneously. His right footwork must have spread across a vast area, halting only their movements. The warriors and spellcasters in the yard expressed great gratitude.
"Thank you!"
"Let's smash them now!"
Kwarung.
Kwabang.
"......"
Even as I slashed shikigami beside them, I watched in admiration. Each was highly skilled, but more importantly, they coordinated perfectly, dividing roles to efficiently fell the many foes.
'This is the power of a group...!!'
Direct offensive spells were rare and potent, but support spells could dramatically shift the battlefield. The squad's balanced mix of warriors and spellcasters showed the Twelve Rites' experience against powerful foes. Unlike Central Plains sects with their petty rivalries, their shared cause against the Japanese invaders bound them tightly.
With the final explosion, all shikigami in the yard fell. Then, from deep within the Dongnyeong ruins, cackling laughter echoed.
[Ahaha, so the Twelve Rites came with full determination! Why do you bother me?]
Monk Jiwol stepped forward, gripping his staff, and pressed his palms together.
"You summoned monsters from the Classic of Mountains and Seas, disturbing this land. Receive the punishment you deserve."
[Huhu, even Classic of Mountains and Seas monsters are mostly pushovers, aren't they? They rarely harm humans since they prefer meat.]
"True, but why stir up such chaos on Goryeo soil in the first place? Make your excuses."
[Excuses... Ahaha.]
Swish!!
"Gasp."
"No way."
The entire subjugation squad was stunned. In the empty air, the onmyoji woman appeared—the voice's owner. As before, she was strikingly beautiful with ample breasts. But that wasn't the shocking part. Monk Jiwol furrowed his brow.
"Teleportation spell? How can a spell master of your caliber act so recklessly?"
[Huhu... This land imprisons a mighty evil spirit harboring vast resentment. I erected a barrier to absorb its power, and the Classic of Mountains and Seas spell happened to be perfect.]
"You used the energy leaking from the sealed monster to cast the spell."
The onmyoji woman giggled.
[Oho... You bald head seem well-versed in spells. Exactly. You've done me a great favor.]
"Did you know the Twelve Rites would come to exorcise it and orchestrate this on purpose? You fiend!!"
Monk Jiwol raged.
But I couldn't follow their conversation fully, so I asked.
"An evil spirit in this land? Where exactly?"
Monk Jiwol answered.
"There likely is one. In this Western Capital, there's only one who could become such a spirit."
"Who?"
"......"
As Monk Jiwol clamped his mouth shut, the onmyoji woman covered her smile with a fan and tittered.
[What's it to you if I take the trouble to deal with the Western Capital's evil spirit? Wouldn't it benefit you to wait until I'm done?]
"Don't make me laugh. The demonic qi radiating from you shows you're no benevolent being. Who knows how you'd wield that immense power after absorbing it? We'll seal you and the spirit right here."
[Ahahaha... Try it if you can!]
Swish.
The onmyoji vanished with another teleportation spell. She was probably waiting inside the gloomy four-story ruin. I glanced at the building and said.
"Why not call archers and burn it down with fire arrows?"
"Her spells would block it. Something like arrow-deflecting magic, at least."
"What's all this about an evil spirit? Explain so I can understand."
I wasn't the only curious one—the surrounding Twelve Rites members all eyed Monk Jiwol. He seemed the most knowledgeable spell master here. After much deliberation, he sighed deeply.
"This Dongnyeong building is where Master Jeongsim was slain by Zhao Guang."
"Jeongsim?"
I tilted my head, not understanding. But the Haedong Milcheon taoist who'd used the mighty right footwork paled and cried out.
"N-No way... This is where Myocheong died?"
"Yes. We designated this as Western Capital's forbidden ground and left the ruins untouched because he, who wielded immense dharma power in life, was likely a powerful evil spirit now. Over centuries, we weakened his power with barriers to dissipate him..."
Monk Jiwol sighed again.
"Haa... That witch is scheming to absorb the evil spirit's power. This is a disaster..."
I couldn't grasp why they were so alarmed, so I kept asking.
"Who's Myocheong?"
"The monk Myocheong who rebelled to make this Western Capital the capital of Goryeo. He was betrayed and killed by Zhao Guang. Right here."
"Hmm... Fine. So what now?"
"What do you mean?"
I pointed at the ruins.
"It's clearly a trap inside, but you're still going in? Better to break the Naesangmun and call reinforcements now."
Murmurs.
The squad seemed to find my suggestion reasonable. Charging into a trap set by a teleportation-level spell master was folly. But Monk Jiwol shook his head firmly.
"No! Delay too long, and that onmyoji witch absorbs Myocheong's power. Then a true calamity beyond our control is born, making this ten times harder."
"Umm..."
"Take heart! No matter how great her spell power, it has limits. She's expended much summoning hordes of shikigami. If we stay calm, we can surely subdue her."
"Oooo!!"
The Twelve Rites warriors regained their morale. I realized Monk Jiwol was a highly trusted senior among them. No wonder so many joined despite the sudden call to arms. Seeing no choice, I smacked my lips inwardly.
'Tsk, no helping it.'
In this life, I wanted to avoid risks and play it safe, but backing out now would be riskier. Failing to subdue her with the Twelve Rites would make things far worse, per Jiwol, and I'd lose their trust, hindering my Haenim investigation.
Plip plop.
Amid falling dust, the squad entered the first floor. A single beam of light shone like a ray in the building's darkness, where a warrior stood holding a long sword. Oddly, he wore a large helmet obscuring his face.
Monk Jiwol addressed him.
"Your attire suggests a Japanese warrior. Step aside. You can't handle us alone."
The Japanese warrior replied haltingly in broken Goryeo tongue.
"No. Can. Not. Do. I. Must. Receive. Power. From. Heavenly Fox."
"Annoying pest. You're one of them anyway—don't blame us for being ruthless!"
Jaryun stepped up. Despite his refined looks, he seemed hot-blooded. As sword qi rose from his blade, the Japanese warrior flinched and raised his own sword. Soon, they clashed fiercely.
Kaang! Klang!
'Huh? That guy's weak...'
Disappointed while spectating, I noted the warrior wasn't bad—near first-class. But Jaryun was elder-level from a great sect, so he clearly outmatched him with every clash. I'd expected a tough gatekeeper, but he was chaff no one here would struggle against.
Swish!
Jaryun's sword tip halted at the warrior's throat. Subduing him in just fifty seconds, he said coldly.
"I'll ask again. Will you move?"
The warrior gulped.
"...I. Will. Move."
"Good choice."
Jaryun sheathed his sword. Feeling the skill gap, the warrior hung his head in defeat. The squad passed him toward the second floor, ignoring him entirely.
Step step.
Something felt off. The onmyoji woman was a top-tier spell master—why station such a weakling alone? It was like she didn't care if he died. Feeling a pang of pity, I patted his shoulder.
"Hang in there."
That was when it happened. The warrior suddenly jerked his head up from the shadows and screamed.
"Y-You bastard, you're here!!"
Screeech.
With venom in his voice, he swung wildly. I parried on reflex, stunned by the suddenness. Why attack now after looking broken?
But that was that, and this was this. I swung back swiftly.
"You brought this on yourself!"
Slash.
His head flew off with the helmet, rolling into the darkness out of sight. Puzzled by the sudden attack, I shrugged and proceeded.
'Weird. Did I wrong that Japanese guy? Or did I just look easy?'
No clue. Never saw his face, which nagged me.
The squad ascended to the second floor, where two goblin-like monsters stood. One was a skinny human-like ghost, the other a flat, bulky one. They didn't look too tough, but Monk Jiwol tensed.
"Those are the onmyoji's ultimate guardians: Zenki and Goki! Extremely powerful—be cautious!"
Kwarung.
"Arrrgh!!"
Jiwol was right. The skinny Zenki spewed a light beam from its mouth, exploding and sending two or three squad members flying. Simultaneously, the flat Goki swung an iron club at us with immense force and speed.
Kwang.
"Arrrgh!!"
"Stay sharp! Hold formation!!"
"Combine forces!"
Warriors and spellcasters reformed amid chaos, grouping eight each to surround Zenki and Goki. I went for Goki—its bulk seemed easier to hit.
'Good thing we came together.'
I'd have no confidence soloing either. Alone? Their combined assault would've killed me. With the group, we had openings to exploit.
[Grrooo.]
Thud.
Goki roared, flailing its club everywhere. We dodged desperately while counterattacking, but its iron-like skin resisted. I evaded with Thunder Shadow Step's Heaven's Fall, circled back, and slashed.
Heavenly Thunder Blade!
Pabang!
A massive lightning sword appeared, cleaving Goki's back. It staggered but rose again. Heavy damage, but not fatal. I was dumbfounded by its toughness.
'What kind of monster is that?'
I'd compressed the Heavenly Thunder Blade from three jang to five cheok for power—three-tenths of my full Zhongnan force. A human would've been pulverized. Yet only minor wounds? Goki's durability was unreal.
"Keep it up! It's working!"
"Right."
Goki slowed noticeably. Linking with the squad, we hammered it relentlessly for minutes. After five-plus solid hits, it finally collapsed.
Thud...
[Gaaah...]
Screaming, Goki burst into paper scraps with a pop and vanished. Such a mighty beast was just a paper-summoned spell. Wiping sweat, I glanced at Zenki.
"Uh, situation's bad."
The small Zenki goblin fired light beams from mouth and hands, cornering the squad. Flying blue ghostflames added threat. If Goki was brute force, Zenki toyed with foes via bizarre spells.
"Haaa!!"
We squad members charged, swinging. Zenki panicked at the numbers, spewing even more thread-like beams. Realizing its area attacks were deadly, we scattered to dodge explosions.
Kwarung.
Kwang!!
'The building's gonna collapse...!!'
Panic rose. Its blasts could bring the whole ruin down, killing us all. Since shikigami were spells, only we'd lose.
Desperate, I dashed in, secretly channeling Thunder Breath. My body crackled blue lightning, and super speed let me close on Zenki. It didn't react until my blade half-severed its neck.
Slash!
[Kyaaak.]
Zenki's head fell, beams ceased. Squad members emerged from cover, sighing in relief.
"Whew, we lived."
"Young hero, thank you!!"
"Without you, we'd be dead."
"No big deal."
I waved it off with a sour face.
"Worried about whatever monster's on the third floor."
"......"
Already one dead, four injured. Facing the third-floor guard in weakened state was daunting. Monk Jiwol said to me.
"Young hero, can you scout ahead?"
"Pardon?"
"Something's off. Zenki and Goki are the onmyoji's final bodyguards, yet on second floor. That witch might not be what we think..."
"So what then?"
"I'll tend the wounded and step out briefly. Need to check something."
Difficulty spiked, and it felt inconsistent. Shouldn't we just push through?
'He wants recon? Better play it steady.'
Refusing Jiwol here was awkward. Surely not ordering a solo kill. No choice, I nodded.
"Got it."
"If it's bad, run."
"No need to tell me."
Doubtful anything topped Zenki-Goki, but if so, I'd bolt. I'd do my best within limits—no dying.
Squad temporarily withdrew; I alone climbed to third floor. Surveying the silent space long, I went to fourth.
"Nothing there..."
False alarm.
Step step.
Disheartened on fourth floor, I saw the full scene. The onmyoji woman sat elegantly at a table, sipping from a cup. Her breasts, twice normal size, distracted, but I forced my gaze to her face.
She smiled at me.
"So you're the one he mentioned. Intriguing."
"What? Who?"
"The warrior you killed on first floor."
"Oh."
Perplexed, I tilted my head. What'd that guy say about me? But she just cackled without explaining.
"Ahaha, humans are fun! In my long life, this karma is a first."
"No idea what you mean."
"Never mind. Getting this far means you're no ordinary fighter. So, I have a proposal."
"Proposal?"
She smiled softly.
Fwaaah.
Next instant, her beauty sprouted fur, transforming rapidly. Features turned animalistic, body too. White light flowed; her onmyoji robes fell.
Transformation complete: a one-jang-sized massive fox stood there. Its fur gleamed silvery-white, eyes blazed with power. But most oppressive were the tails.
Nine tails.
I'd never heard of such a fox—only once in legend.
Horrified, I shouted.
"Heavenly Fox... Nine-Tailed Fox...!!"